Implements and application units for placement of applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields

ABSTRACT

Described herein are implements and application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/094,148, filed 16 Oct. 2018, which is a national stage entry ofPCT Application No. PCT/US2017/028187, filed 18 Apr. 2017, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/324,095, filed onApr. 18, 2016 entitled: IMPLEMENTS AND APPLICATION UNITS FOR PLACEMENTOF APPLICATIONS WITH RESPECT TO AGRICULTURAL PLANTS OF AGRICULTURALFIELDS; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/365,824, filed on Jul. 22,2016 entitled: IMPLEMENTS AND APPLICATION UNITS FOR PLACEMENT OFAPPLICATIONS WITH RESPECT TO AGRICULTURAL PLANTS OF AGRICULTURAL FIELDS;U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/442,895, filed on Jan. 5, 2017entitled: IMPLEMENTS AND APPLICATION UNITS FOR PLACEMENT OF APPLICATIONSWITH RESPECT TO AGRICULTURAL PLANTS OF AGRICULTURAL FIELDS, the entirecontents of each are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to implements andapplication units for placement of fluid applications with respect toagricultural plants of agricultural fields.

BACKGROUND

Planters are used for planting seeds of crops (e.g., corn, soybeans) ina field. Planters may also be used for applying a fluid application(e.g., fertilizers, chemicals) to the soil or crops. Other fluidapplicators include sprayers and sidedress bars. Applying the fluidapplication between rows can be challenging in terms of controlling thisapplication for the different row units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a system for performing agriculturaloperations of agricultural fields including operations of an implementhaving application units in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of an implement 200 for deliveringapplications (e.g., fluid applications, fluid mixture applications) toagricultural fields in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear view of an application unit 300 (e.g., afluid application unit) 300 for applying an application to plants P-1,P-2 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an application unit 300 (e.g., a fluidapplication unit) 300 for applying an application to plants P-1, P-2(e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment (rear view 402) of an application unit400 (e.g., fluid application unit 400).

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment (rear view 502) of an application unit500 (e.g., fluid application unit 500).

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of a fluid applicationunit 600.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid application unit 700.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a fluid application unit 800.

FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a fluid application unit 850.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view 902 of an application unit 900 (e.g., afluid application unit) 900 for applying an application to plants P-9,P-10 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view 904 in which the linkage members 920 a,920 b are biased in a non-centered position between rows of plants inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view 940 of the application unit 900 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9D illustrates a top view 952 of application units 950, 980 (e.g.,a fluid application unit) for applying an application to plants P-9,P-10 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an application unit 1000 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view 1102 of an application unit 1100 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a system 1200 that includes a machine 1202(e.g., tractor, combine harvester, etc.) and an implement 1240 (e.g.,planter, cultivator, plough, sprayer, spreader, irrigation implement,etc.) in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 13A (side view) illustrates an embodiment of a fluid applicationunit 1300.

FIG. 13B (top view) illustrates an embodiment of a liquid applicationunit 1350 having multiple trench forming members (e.g., knives) andfluid outlets.

FIG. 14 illustrates an adjustable bracket 1400 for coupling any of theframes described herein to a bar 10 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15A illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1500 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15B illustrates an isometric view of a fluid biasing system for usewith application unit 1532 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1600positioned in proximity to rows of plants in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 17A illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1700 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17B illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1750 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17C illustrates a side view of an application unit 1752 inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17D illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1780 inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 18A illustrates an isometric view of a solenoid actuated system foruse with application unit 1700 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 18B illustrates an isometric view of a motor actuated system foruse with application unit 1700 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 19A illustrates an isometric view of a linkage system actuated witha solenoid for use with application unit 1700 in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 19B illustrates an isometric view of a linkage system actuated witha motor for use with application unit 1700 in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 19C illustrates an isometric view of a linkage system actuated witha ground contacting arm for use with application unit 1700 in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 20A is a side elevation view of a closer on a coulter wheelaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the top and bottom of the arms are equidistant tothe axis through the trench and the front and back of the arms areequidistant to the axis through the trench.

FIG. 20C is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the bottom of the arms are closer to the axisthrough the trench than the top of the arms.

FIG. 20D is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the back of the arms are closer to the axis throughthe trench than the front of the arms.

FIG. 20E is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the bottom of the arms are closer to the axisthrough the trench than the top of the arms and the back of the arms arecloser to the axis through the trench than the front of the arms.

FIG. 20F is a side view of the closer of FIG. 20B according to oneembodiment in which the bottom of the arm is at least partially disposedbehind the top of the arm in a direction of travel.

FIG. 21A is a side elevation view of an alternative closer disposed on ablade according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a rear elevation view of the blade and closer of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a side elevation view of an alternative nozzle having abiasing ski according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a bottom view of the nozzle of FIG. 22A with the biasing skiremoved for clarity.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a flexible member having a reinforcementdisposed thereon according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24A is a side elevation view of a cradle disposed on a bracketaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 24B is a rear elevation view of the cradle of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25 is an alternative embodiment of an application unit 3200according to one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an alternative embodiment for a spring disposed over aflexible member.

FIG. 27A illustrates a side elevation view of an application unit 2700according to one embodiment.

FIG. 27B is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 27Atraversing a field with plants in rows.

FIG. 27D is a partial perspective view from the bottom of the embodimentof FIG. 27A with some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 27E is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 27Awith some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 27F is a partial bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 27A with anoptional stop with some components removed for clarity.

FIG. 27G is a partial top view of the embodiment of FIG. 27A showingoptional bias element 2748.

FIG. 28A is a top view of an application unit with a damper according toone embodiment.

FIG. 28B is a top view of an application unit with a damper according toone embodiment.

FIG. 28C is a top view of an application unit with a damper according toone embodiment.

FIG. 28D is a top view of an application unit with a damper according toone embodiment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Described herein are systems, implements, and application units havingmechanisms for placement of applications to agricultural plants ofagricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes aframe to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and afirst plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operationsuch that the first plurality of flexible members guide a lateralposition of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rowsof plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the firstplurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the tworows of plants. The first plurality of flexible members include aplurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity tothe rows of plants. In one example, the application unit also includes asecond plurality of flexible members for guiding a lateral position of abase member that is coupled to the frame.

In one embodiment, an application unit comprising: a frame to bepositioned in operation between first and second rows of plants; a firstplant contacting member being pivotally coupled to the frame inoperation such that the first plant contacting member to be deflectedrearwardly with respect to a direction of motion of the frame upon thefirst plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants ofthe first row of plants which causes a first change in orientation ofthe first plant contacting member with respect to the frame; and a firstoutlet for applying a liquid application to the first row of plants withthe first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contactingmember, wherein the first change in orientation causes a correspondingsecond change in orientation of the first outlet with respect to theframe.

In one embodiment, an application unit comprising: a frame to bepositioned in operation between two rows of plants; a base membercoupled to the frame, the base member to be positioned in proximity to aground surface while in operation; and first and second plant guidancemembers coupled to the base member in operation such that the first andsecond plant guidance members guide a lateral position of the basemember to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants basedupon whether at least one of the first and second plant guidance memberscontacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants.

In one embodiment, an application unit comprising: a frame to bepositioned in operation between two rows of plants; a base membercoupled to the frame; and at least one linkage member for conveyingfluid coupled to a biasing element of the base member in operation suchthat the biasing element biases an angular position of the at least onelinkage member.

An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operationbetween two rows of plants; and a first plurality of flexible memberscoupled to the frame in operation such that the first plurality offlexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to beapproximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whetherat least one of the first plurality of flexible members contacts one ormore plants of the two rows of plants.

In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluid to plants inrows in a field comprising: at least one applicator arm that is actuatedby an actuator to move the applicator arm from a position in the rowbetween plants to a position adjacent to the plant.

In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants inrows in a field comprising: a base, at least one flexible or pivotingapplication member connected to the base and disposed to apply fluid tothe plants, and a stabilizer associated with the at least one flexibleor pivoting application member, wherein the stabilizer comprises atleast one of:

a spring disposed over the at least one flexible application member,

a reinforcement that is disposed on or in the at least one applicationmember and disposed along a length of the at least one applicationmember,

a wire attached to the at least one application member, the wire havinga length to contact at least one plant, and

a damper.

In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants inrows in a field comprising: a frame; a coulter connected to the frameand disposed to open a trench between the rows of plants; at least oneapplication member connected to the frame or to the coulter and disposedto apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants.

In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants inrows in a field comprising: a base disposed between plants in adjacentrows, at least one application member connected to the base and disposedto apply fluid to the plants in a rhizosphere of the plants, and anozzle disposed at an end of the application member for dispensing fluidfrom the application member to the plants in the rhizosphere of theplants.

In one embodiment, a trench closer for a fertilizer applicatorcomprising, a bar moved through a field transverse to a direction oftravel, a fertilizer applicator connected to the bar for forming atrench in soil, wherein the fertilizer applicator comprises a coulter, aknife, or a coulter and a knife, and a trench closer disposed behind thefertilizer applicator in the direction of travel and connected to thefertilizer applicator or the bar, wherein the trench closer is not adisk that rolls in a direction of travel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems, implements, and application units havingmechanisms for placement of applications to agricultural plants ofagricultural fields.

In an embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positionedin operation between first and second rows of plants, a first plantcontacting member being pivotally coupled to the frame in operation suchthat the first plant contacting member to be deflected rearwardly withrespect to a direction of motion of the frame upon the first plantcontacting member contacting at least one of the plants of the first rowof plants which causes a first change in orientation of the first plantcontacting member with respect to the frame. A first outlet applies afluid application to the first row of plants. The first change inorientation causes a corresponding second change in orientation of thefirst outlet with respect to the frame.

Each application unit includes components (e.g., planting contactingmembers, feelers, guidance members, linkage members, flexible members,etc) for obtaining a proper placement (e.g., orientation and/orpositioning) of one or more fluid outlets with respect to rows of plantsin an agricultural field. The fluid outlets are then able to preciselyapply (spray or dribble) the fluid applications on a desired targetregion (e.g., rhizosphere, a bottom portion of a plant, root ball,crown, crown root, mesocotyl, below a first node of a plant) of rows ofplants to more efficiently spray plants at a lower cost due to lesswasted crop input (e.g., nutrients, fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide orinsecticide).

In the following description, numerous details are set forth. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a system 100 for performing agriculturaloperations (e.g., applying fluid applications to plants) of agriculturalfields including operations of an implement having application units inaccordance with one embodiment. For example and in one embodiment, thesystem 100 may be implemented as a cloud based system with servers, dataprocessing devices, computers, etc. Aspects, features, and functionalityof the system 100 can be implemented in servers, planters, plantermonitors, sprayers, sidedress bars, combines, laptops, tablets, computerterminals, client devices, user devices (e.g., device 190), handheldcomputers, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, cameras,smart phones, mobile phones, computing devices, or a combination of anyof these or other data processing devices.

In other embodiments, the system 100 includes a network computer or anembedded processing device within another device (e.g., display device)or within a machine (e.g., planter, combine), or other types of dataprocessing systems having fewer components or perhaps more componentsthan that shown in FIG. 1. The system 100 (e.g., cloud based system) andagricultural operations can control and monitor fluid applications usingan implement or machine. The system 100 includes machines 140, 142, 144,146 and implements 141, 143, 145 coupled to a respective machine 140,142, 144, 146. The implements (or machines) can include flow devices forcontrolling and monitoring fluid applications (e.g., spraying,fertilization) of crops and soil within associated fields (e.g., fields102, 105, 107, 109). The system 100 includes an agricultural analysissystem 102 that includes a weather store 150 with current and historicalweather data, weather predictions module 152 with weather predictionsfor different regions, and at least one processing system 132 forexecuting instructions for controlling and monitoring differentoperations (e.g., fluid applications). The storage medium 136 may storeinstructions, software, software programs, etc for execution by theprocessing system and for performing operations of the agriculturalanalysis system 102. In one example, storage medium 136 may contain afluid application prescription (e.g., fluid application prescriptionthat relates georeferenced positions in the field to application rates).The implement 141 (or any of the implements) may include an implement200 whose pump, flow sensors and/or flow controllers may be specificallythe elements that are in communication with the network 180 for sendingcontrol signals or receiving as-applied data.

An image database 160 stores captured images of crops at differentgrowth stages. A data analytics module 130 may perform analytics onagricultural data (e.g., images, weather, field, yield, etc.) togenerate crop predictions 162 relating to agricultural operations.

A field information database 134 stores agricultural data (e.g., cropgrowth stage, soil types, soil characteristics, moisture holdingcapacity, etc.) for the fields that are being monitored by the system100. An agricultural practices information database 135 stores farmpractices information (e.g., as-applied planting information, as-appliedspraying information, as-applied fertilization information, plantingpopulation, applied nutrients (e.g., nitrogen), yield levels,proprietary indices (e.g., ratio of seed population to a soilparameter), etc.) for the fields that are being monitored by the system100. An implement can obtain fluid application data from the CMUs andprovide this data to the system 100. A cost/price database 138 storesinput cost information (e.g., cost of seed, cost of nutrients (e.g.,nitrogen)) and commodity price information (e.g., revenue from crop).

The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a network interface 118 forcommunicating with other systems or devices such as drone devices, userdevices, and machines (e.g., planters, combines) via a network 180(e.g., Internet, wide area network, WiMax, satellite, cellular, IPnetwork, etc.). The network interface includes one or more types oftransceivers for communicating via the network 180.

The processing system 132 may include one or more microprocessors,processors, a system on a chip (integrated circuit), or one or moremicrocontrollers. The processing system includes processing logic forexecuting software instructions of one or more programs. The system 100includes the storage medium 136 for storing data and programs forexecution by the processing system. The storage medium 136 can store,for example, software components such as a software application forcontrolling and monitoring fluid applications or any other softwareapplication. The storage medium 136 can be any known form of a machinereadable non-transitory storage medium, such as semiconductor memory(e.g., flash; SRAM; DRAM; etc.) or non-volatile memory, such as harddisks or solid-state drive.

While the storage medium (e.g., machine-accessible non-transitorymedium) is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, theterm “machine-accessible non-transitory medium” should be taken toinclude a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-accessiblenon-transitory medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that iscapable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions forexecution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any oneor more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term“machine-accessible non-transitory medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical andmagnetic media, and carrier wave signals. FIG. 2 illustrates anarchitecture of an implement 200 for delivering applications (e.g.,fluid applications, fluid mixture applications) to agricultural fieldsin accordance with one embodiment. The implement 200 includes at leastone storage tank 250, flow lines 260 and 261, a flow controller 252(e.g., valve), and at least one variable-rate pump 254 (e.g., electric,centrifugal, piston, etc.) for pumping and controlling application rateof a fluid (e.g., fluid application, semifluid mixture) from the atleast one storage tank to different application units 210-217,respectively of the implement. At least one flow sensor 270 can beutilized on the implement 200 either row-by-row or upstream of where thefluid branches out to the application units as illustrated in FIG. 2.The flow controller 252 can be row-by-row as opposed to implement-wideas shown in FIG. 2.

The applications units are mechanically coupled to the frames 220-227which are mechanically coupled to a bar 10. Each application unit210-217 can include flow sensors and components having a placementmechanism (e.g., planting contacting members, feelers, guidance members)for obtaining a proper orientation and/or positioning of a fluid outletwith respect to a plant in an agricultural field. The application unitscan include any of the embodiments described herein in conjunction withFIGS. 3A, 3B, 4-11, and 13A and 13B.

FIG. 3A illustrates a rear view of an application unit 300 (e.g., afluid application unit) 300 for applying an application to plants P-1,P-2 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment. It should be appreciated that the unit 300 is illustratedtraveling in a direction D into the page in FIG. 3A (rear view 302) andtraveling upward in FIG. 3B (top view 350) along a direction D. Theapplication unit 300 is preferably mounted to a transversely extendingbar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawn by a tractor or other implement.The application unit 300 preferably extends laterally between existingcorn plants P-1, P-2 as the bar 10 traverses the field having a groundsurface 390.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3A (rear view), the fluid application unit300 preferably comprises a downwardly-extending frame 310 to whichfeelers 320 a, 320 b and fluid outlets 330 a, 330 b are preferablypivotally connected. As shown in FIG. 3B (top view 350), the feelers 320preferably pivot with a range of angular motion 321 a, 321 b about anaxis parallel to the frame 310, e.g., a vertical axis. In operation,when the feelers 320 a, 320 b contact passing plants (e.g., P-1, P-2),the feelers 320 a, 320 b preferably deflect rearwardly in a downwarddirection. A spring element (not shown) or other biasing elementpreferably biases the feelers 320 a, 320 b into a neutral position 360a, 360 b to which the feeler preferably returns when not deflected by aplant or other obstacle. A length of the feelers 320 a, 320 b may bedesigned based on a row spacing (e.g., 20″, 30″, etc.) with each feeler320 a, 320 b having a length of approximately one half of the rowspacing between rows of plants. In one example, the feelers 320 a, 320 bmay have adjustable lengths depending on the row spacing for a field.

Each feeler 320 is preferably operatively mechanically linked to one ofthe fluid outlet fluid outlets 330 such that a change in orientation ofthe feeler 320 relative to the frame 310 changes an orientation of thelinked fluid outlet 330.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A (rear view), rearward angular deflection ofthe feeler 320 (e.g., 320 a, 320 b) results in corresponding (e.g.,equal) angular deflection with a range of angular motion 331 a, 331 b ofthe fluid outlet 330 (e.g., 330 a, 330 b) linked to the feeler. A rigidlink 325 (e.g., 325 a, 325 b) constrains the fluid outlet 330 to pivotin a synchronized fashion with the feeler 320. The fluid outlet 330preferably pivots about an axis which is preferably parallel to theframe 310. The pivot axis of the fluid outlet 330 is preferably parallelto and preferably substantially aligned with the pivot axis of thefeeler 320. As a result, a spray S (e.g., pressurized spray Sa, Sb)emitted from the fluid outlet 330 (e.g., via orifices 332 a, 332 b)preferably disposed at a distal end of the outlet) is preferablyoriented toward a plant P-1, P-2 contacted by the feeler 320.

In another embodiment, the fluid application unit 300 includes a singlefluid outlet and a single feeler for spraying a single row of plants. Inone example, the application unit 300 includes the feeler 320 a and thefluid outlet 330 a for spraying the row of plants P-1. The feeler 320 band fluid outlet 330 b are not included in this example. A differentapplication unit is provided for spraying the plants P-2.

In another example, the application unit 300 includes the feeler 320 band the fluid outlet 330 b for spraying the row of plants P-2. Thefeeler 320 a and fluid outlet 330 a are not included in this example. Adifferent application unit is provided for spraying the plants P-1.

In another embodiment, the fluid application unit 300 includes at leastone fluid outlet (e.g., 330 a, 330 b) and no feelers 320, 320 b and nolink 325 a, 325 b. The at least fluid outlet is positioned and/ororiented to spray a fluid towards a base region of a plant (e.g., intosoil within 3-4 inches of the base region of the plant, towards a regionin which a base of the plant emerges from the soil).

It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet in the variousembodiments described herein is preferably in fluid communication with asource (e.g., tank 250) containing an application (e.g., fluidapplication, crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide orinsecticide). Each fluid outlet described herein provides a pressurizedspray (e.g., 1-200 psi, 5-100 psi, etc.) in a direction (e.g.,substantially downward direction) towards a base region of a plant(e.g., into soil within 3-4 inches of the base region of the plant,towards a region in which a base of the plant emerges from the soil). Inanother example, at least one fluid outlet of an application unitprovides a dribble of liquid (e.g., non-pressurized source) rather thana pressurized spray.

In the embodiment of an application unit 400 (e.g., fluid applicationunit 400) shown in FIG. 4 (rear view 402), the frame 410 supports afeeler 420 which preferably functions similarly to the unit 300described above. The frame 410 may be coupled to a bar 10 in a similarmanner as the frame 310 is coupled to the bar 10 in FIG. 3A. Asdescribed in more detail herein, rearward deflection (out of the page)of the feeler 420 preferably causes the fluid outlet 430 to deflect in atransverse vertical plane (e.g., generally up and down along the view ofFIG. 4 (rear view)). In one example, when a transverse distance betweenframe 410 and an adjacent plant P-3 decreases, the feeler is pivotedrearward with respect to a neutral position of the feeler, preferablycausing the fluid outlet 430 to pivot downward such that a spray S-3emitted by the fluid outlet 430 (e.g., from a fluid orifice 432preferably disposed at a distal end thereof) is directed more closelytoward a bottom portion (e.g., root ball, crown, crown root, mesocotyl)of the plant. Conversely, when a transverse distance between frame 410and an adjacent plant P-3 increases, a biasing element (not shown)causes the feeler to pivot forward with respect to a neutral position ofthe feeler, preferably causing the fluid outlet to pivot upward suchthat the spray S-3 is directed more closely toward the bottom portion ofthe plant or towards soil within 0-4 inches of the bottom portion of theplant.

Referring to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 (rear view) in moredetail, the feeler 420 preferably pivots about a central vertical axisof the frame 410, which is preferably round in cross-section. A link 411preferably constrains a horizontal gear 415 to rotate about the centralvertical axis of the frame 410. The central vertical axis issubstantially perpendicular with respect to a ground surface 490. Thehorizontal gear 415 preferably drives a vertical gear 425 (e.g., teethof gear 415 engage with teeth of gear 425), which preferably selectivelyraises or lowers the outlet 430, e.g., by winding or unwinding a supportcable 429 which may be wound around a drive shaft of the vertical gear425 at an upper end thereof and attached to the outlet 430 at a lowerend thereof.

The embodiments described herein may include a pair of feelers eachhaving an associated (e.g., linked) fluid outlet. In other embodiments,the fluid outlets may be constrained (e.g., by a linkage) to pivot atequal and opposite angles, and one of the outlets may be associated with(e.g., linked to) a single feeler.

The feelers 320, 420 described herein may contact the adjacent plants atany location. In a preferred embodiment, each feeler is preferablydisposed to contact an adjacent plant on a stem or stalk thereof; forexample, the feeler may be disposed adjacent the ground in order tocontact the stalk at a location immediately above the soil (e.g., abovethe crown and below the lowest node of the plant). In some suchembodiments, the fluid outlet may be disposed above the feeler insteadof below the feeler as illustrated in FIG. 5 in accordance with oneembodiment.

In the embodiment of an application unit 500 (e.g., fluid applicationunit 500) shown in FIG. 5 (rear view 502), the frame 510 supports afeeler 520 which preferably functions similarly to the unit 400described above. As described in more detail herein, rearward deflectionof the feeler 520 preferably causes the fluid outlet 530 to deflect in atransverse vertical plane (e.g., generally up and down along the view ofFIG. 5 (rear view)). When a transverse distance between frame 510 and anadjacent plant P-4 decreases, the feeler 520 is pivoted rearward withrespect to a neutral position of the feeler 520, preferably causing thefluid outlet 530 to pivot downward such that a spray S-4 emitted by thefluid outlet 530 (e.g., from a fluid orifice 532 preferably disposed ata distal end thereof) is directed more closely toward a bottom portion(e.g., root ball, crown, crown root, mesocotyl) of the plant that is inclose proximity to a ground surface 590. Conversely, when a transversedistance between frame 510 and an adjacent plant P-4 increases, abiasing element (not shown) causes the feeler to pivot forward withrespect to a neutral position of the feeler 520, preferably causing thefluid outlet 530 to pivot upward such that the spray S-4 is directedmore closely toward the bottom portion of the plant (e.g., within 0-4inches of the bottom portion of the plant).

In still another embodiment of a fluid application unit 600 illustratedin FIG. 6A (side view 602) and FIG. 6B (top view 604), a downwardly andpreferably rearwardly extending frame 620 (e.g., a flexible, orsemi-flexible frame) is fixed to the bar 10 at an upper end thereof by abracket 610. A base member 630 supported at a lower end of the frame 620is preferably disposed adjacent a ground surface 690 and may have alower curved surface for riding (continuously or discontinuously) alongthe ground surface. Fluid outlets 640 a, 640 b are preferably supportedby the base member 630 and are preferably disposed to apply a fluid tothe plants P-5, P-6 (e.g., at a lower portion of each plant such as at acrown thereof). The fluid outlets 640 a, 640 b may have orificesdisposed at a distal end thereof for forming a spray which is preferablydirected toward the plants. Guidance members 650 a, 650 b preferablyguide the lateral position of the base member 630; e.g., contact betweenthe guidance members 650 a, 650 b and stems of plants P-5, P-6 maydeflect the frame 620 to allow the base member 630 to remain equidistantfrom each row of plants P-5, P-6 adjacent to the base member 630. Theguidance members 650 are preferably made of a semi-flexible orsemi-rigid material such as spring steel and may include a spring coil652 for permitting the guidance member 650 a, 650 b to deflect whenencountering obstacles. The guidance members 650 may include a firstportion 655 a, 656 a extending outwardly and rearwardly toward the rowof plants, a second portion 655 b, 656 b extending generally parallel tothe row of plants, and a third portion 655 c, 656 c extending inwardlyand rearwardly away from the row of plants. In one embodiment, all basemembers adjust their position with respect to the rows of plants.

A width (W) of the guidance members may be designed based on a rowspacing (e.g., 20″, 30″, etc.) with each guidance member having a lengthof slightly less than approximately one half of the row spacing betweenrows of plants. In one example, the guidance members may have adjustablewidths depending on the row spacing for a field.

In one example, the application unit 600 includes at least one fluidoutlet (e.g., 640 a, 640 b) that sprays or dribbles fluid towards a baseregion of the plants P-5, P-6. The base member 630 contacts a groundsurface 690 in a continuous or non-continuous manner along the groundsurface. A flexible frame 620 couples the base member 630 to a bar 610.In another embodiment, the application unit 600 does not includeguidance members 650 a, 650 b. At least one fluid outlet 640 a, 640 bsprays the fluid towards a base region of the plants P-5, P-6.

In another embodiment of a fluid application unit 700 illustrated inFIG. 7 (rear view 702), a downwardly extending frame 710 is preferablypermitted to slide up and down as indicated by arrows 722 relative tothe bar 10 but retained to the bar 10 by a collar 720 extending aroundthe frame 710 at an upper end thereof. The unit 700 is preferablyfunctionally similarly to the unit 300 except the unit 700 includes aground engaging element 712, a collar 720, and an internal channel 750for directing fluid through the frame 710. A ground-engaging element 712(e.g., a wheel or ski) is preferably mounted to a lower end of the frame710 and disposed to contact the ground during operation such that afluid outlet 730 retains its position relative to the ground surface inoperation. One or more feelers and related linkage mechanisms forreorienting the fluid outlet (as described herein according to variousembodiments) may additionally be incorporated in the unit 700. The frame710 may include a fluid inlet 740 that is in fluid communication with aninternal channel 750 (e.g., formed within the frame and/or disposedwithin the frame) for directing fluid to the fluid outlet 730. The fluidoutlet 730 may additionally include an internal channel 760 (e.g.,formed as a part within fluid outlet 730 and/or disposed within thefluid outlet 730) for directing fluid to the distal end (e.g., orifice732) of the fluid outlet 730. The channels 750 and 760 are preferably influid communication via a flexible conduit (not shown) such as a hose ortube. The fluid inlet 740 may be in fluid communication with a flexibleconduit that is in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., tank).

Referring to FIG. 8A (rear view 802), an embodiment of a fluidapplication unit 800 is illustrated which is substantially similar tothe application unit 300 described herein, except that the frame 810 iscoupled to or includes one or more opening discs 811 a, 811 b (e.g.,vertical coulters, angled opening discs) for opening a trench T in thesoil. The frame 810 preferably includes an internal or externallymounted conduit (not shown) for applying a crop input (e.g., fluid cropinput such as anhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.) into thetrench T. The frame 810 may comprise an injection assembly (e.g.,sidedress liquid fertilizer injection assembly or anhydrous injectionassembly) such as those illustrated in FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No.5,890,445, incorporated herein by reference or in U.S. Pat. No.8,910,581, incorporated by reference; the fluid outlets 830 a, 830 b,and feelers 820 a, 820 b, as well as related linkage structure arepreferably fixed to the sides of such an injection assembly for sprayinga fluid on nearby plants P-6.

The fluid outlets 830 a, 830 b preferably pivot about an axis which ispreferably parallel to the frame 810. The pivot axis of the fluidoutlets 830 a, 830 b is preferably parallel to and preferablysubstantially aligned with the pivot axis of the feelers 820 a, 820 b.As a result, a spray S (e.g., Sa, Sb) emitted from the fluid outlets 830a, 830 b (e.g., via orifices 832 a, 832 b) preferably disposed at distalends of the outlets) is preferably oriented toward a plant P-7, P-8contacted by the feelers 820 a, 820 b. A lower end of the frame 810 mayalso contain a fluid outlet 830 c for emitted a spray Sc into the trenchT. It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet 830 a, 830 b in thevarious embodiments described herein is preferably in fluidcommunication with a source (e.g., tank 250) containing an application(e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide,herbicide or insecticide).

The optional feelers 820 described herein may contact the adjacentplants at any location. In a preferred embodiment, each feeler 820 ispreferably disposed to contact an adjacent plant on a stem or stalkthereof; for example, the feeler may be disposed adjacent the ground inorder to contact the stalk at a location immediately above the soil(e.g., above the crown and below the lowest node of the plant). In somesuch embodiments, the fluid outlet 830 may be disposed above the feeler820 instead of below the feeler 830 as illustrated in FIG. 3 inaccordance with one embodiment.

In another example, the application unit 800 does not include theoptional feelers 820 a, 820 b. At least one fluid outlet (e.g., 820 a,820 b) sprays or dribbles fluid towards a base region of the plants P-7,P-8 while the fluid outlet 830 a sprays or dribbles the fluid into thetrench T. A distal end of at least one fluid outlet (e.g., 820 a, 820 b)extends closer (e.g., within 0-6 inches) to a base region of the plantswhen the liquid is dribbled towards the base region of the plants incomparison to when the fluid is sprayed.

Referring to FIG. 8B (rear view 852), an embodiment of a liquidapplication unit 850 is illustrated which is substantially similar tothe application unit 300 described herein, except that the frame 810 iscoupled to or includes one or more opening discs 818 (e.g., verticalcoulter) for opening a trench Tc in the soil, optional trench formingmembers 860 and 862 (e.g., scrapers, knives) for opening shallowtrenches Td and Te, respectively, in the soil, and no feelers. One ormore feelers and related linkage mechanisms for reorienting the fluidoutlet (as described herein according to various embodiments) mayadditionally be incorporated in the unit 850.

The frame 810 preferably includes an internal or externally mountedconduit (not shown) for applying a crop input (e.g., liquid crop inputsuch as anhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.) into thetrenches. The frame 810 may comprise an injection assembly (e.g.,sidedress liquid fertilizer injection assembly or anhydrous injectionassembly) such as those illustrated in FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No.5,890,445, incorporated herein by reference or in U.S. Pat. No.8,910,581, incorporated by reference; the fluid outlets 830 a, 830 b, aswell as related linkage structure are preferably fixed to the sides ofsuch an injection assembly for spraying or dribbling a liquid on nearbyplants.

The fluid outlets 830 a, 830 b preferably pivot about an axis which ispreferably parallel to the frame 810. The fluid outlet 830 c is formednear a disc 818 and the fluid outlets 830 d, 830 e are formed near acorresponding trench forming member 860, 862. As a result, a spray S(e.g., Sa, Sb, Sd, Se) or dribble emitted from the fluid outletspreferably disposed at distal ends of the outlets) is preferablyoriented toward plants P-7, P-8. A lower end of the frame 810 may alsocontain a fluid outlet 830 c for emitted a spray Sc into the trench T.It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet in the variousembodiments described herein is preferably in fluid communication with asource (e.g., tank 250) containing an application (e.g., fluidapplication, crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide orinsecticide).

In one example, a tractor or other implement pulls multiple sidedressing fertilizer coulter units (e.g., application unit 850) forforming a trench Tc having a depth (e.g., 4-8 inches, approximately 5-7inches, etc.). The crop may be at a seedling stage when fertilizer istypically applied as a side dressing slightly offset laterally from eachrow of seedlings. Each application unit includes a frame (not shown), acoulter disc or wheel 818 for forming a deeper trench having a depth(e.g., 4-8 inches, approximately 5-7 inches, etc.) with a lateralposition approximately equidistant between the plants P-7, P-8, a trenchforming member 860 (e.g., scratching knife 860) for opening a shallowtrench Td having a shallow depth (e.g., 0-4 inches, 0-2 inches,approximately 1 inch) in proximity to a row of plants P-8 (e.g., alateral position within 5-10 inches of the plants P-8), and a trenchforming member 862 (e.g., scratching knife 862) for opening a shallowtrench having a shallow depth (e.g., 0-4 inches, 0-2 inches,approximately 1 inch) in proximity to a row of plants P-7 (e.g., alateral position within 5-10 inches of the plants P-7). The frame 810preferably includes an internal or externally mounted conduit (notshown) for applying a crop input (e.g., fluid crop input such asanhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.) with fluid outlets intoa respective trench. Each knife may be associated with a respectivecovering tine (e.g., rake, closing wheel) for closing the shallow trenchto retain the crop input in the soil (or ground) and prevent the cropinput from being volatilized.

In another example, the disc 818 and fluid outlet 830 c are not includedin the application unit 850 and at least one of the members 860 and 862is included in the application unit 850. In another example, only one ofthe trench forming members 860 and 862 is included in the applicationunit 850.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view 902 of an application unit 900 (e.g., afluid application unit) 900 for applying an application to plants P-9,P-10 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment. It should be appreciated that the unit 900 is illustratedtraveling in a direction D upwards in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The applicationunit 900 is preferably mounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g.,toolbar or boom) drawn by a tractor or other implement. The applicationunit 900 preferably extends laterally between existing corn plants asthe bar 10 illustrated in FIG. 9C traverses the field having a groundsurface 990.

In FIG. 9A (top view), the fluid application unit 900 preferablycomprises a base 912 to which linkage members 920 a, 920 b arepreferably pivotally connected. The linkage members 920 a, 920 b arecoupled to flexible members 922 a, 922 b that may contact the rows ofplants in operation. In operation, when the flexible members 922 a, 922b contact passing plants (e.g., P-9, P-10), the flexible members 922 a,922 b preferably cause rearwardly deflection of the linkage members 920a, 920 b from a neutral position 960 to a rearward deflection positionas illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. A spring element 914, 915 or otherbiasing element (e.g., spring and hinge) preferably biases the linkagemembers 920 a, 920 b into a neutral position 960 to which the linkagemembers 920 a, 920 b preferably return when not deflected by a plant orother obstacle. A length of the linkage members 920 a, 920 b andflexible members 922 a, 922 b may be designed based on a row spacing(e.g., 20″, 30″, etc.) with each linkage member 920 a, 920 b having alength of approximately one half of the row spacing between rows ofplants. In one example, the linkage members 920 a, 920 b may haveadjustable lengths depending on the row spacing for a field.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view 902 in which the linkage members 920 a,920 b are biased in a centered position between rows of plants such thatthe base 912 is approximately equidistant from the plants P-9 and P-10.FIG. 9B illustrates a top view 904 in which the linkage members 920 a,920 b are biased in a non-centered position between rows of plants suchthat the base 912 is laterally positioned closer to the plants P-10 thanthe plants P-9.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view 940 of the application unit 900 inaccordance with one embodiment. The application unit 900 is preferablymounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawnby a tractor or other implement. A frame 910 (e.g., rigid frame) iscoupled to the bar 10 and the base 912. In one example, the base 912 ispositioned a certain distance above the ground 990, the linkage members920 a, 920 b slope downwards towards the ground, and the flexiblemembers 922 a, 922 b are positioned in a horizontal plane slightly abovethe ground (e.g., 1-12 inches above the ground).

A fluid outlet 930 can be positioned with respect to the linkage member920 a, 920 b or flexible members 922 a, 922 b for spraying a fluid inclose proximity to the plants. In one example, the fluid outlet 930 ispositioned at a distal end of the linkage member 920 a, 920 b andgenerates a spray Sa that sprays in a downward directions towards a baseregion of plants P-9. It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet930 in the various embodiments described herein is preferably in fluidcommunication with a source (e.g., tank 250) containing an application(e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide,herbicide or insecticide).

FIG. 9D illustrates a top view 952 of application units 950, 980 (e.g.,a fluid application unit) for applying an application to plants P-9,P-10 (e.g., corn plants, soy bean plants, etc.) in accordance with oneembodiment. The application units 950, 980 are preferably mounted to atransversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawn by a tractoror other implement. The application units 950, 980 preferably extendlaterally between existing corn plants as the bar 10 illustrated in FIG.9C traverses the field having a ground surface 990.

In FIG. 9D (top view 952), the fluid application units 950 and 980preferably each comprise a base 912, 972 to which linkage members 920,984 are preferably pivotally connected. The base 912 and 972 are eachcoupled with a frame to a bar 10. The linkage members 920, 984 arecoupled to flexible members 922 a, 982 a that may contact the rows ofplants in operation. In operation, when the flexible members 922 a, 982a contact passing plants (e.g., P-9, P-10), the flexible members 922 a,982 a preferably cause rearwardly deflection of the linkage members 920,984 from a neutral position 960 to a rearward deflection position asillustrated in FIG. 9D. A spring element 914, 974 or other biasingelement (e.g., spring and hinge) preferably biases the linkage members920, 984 into a neutral position 960 to which the linkage memberspreferably return when not deflected by a plant or other obstacle. Alength of the linkage members 920, 984 and flexible members 922 a, 982 amay be designed based on a row spacing (e.g., 20″, 30″, etc.) with eachlinkage member 920, 984 having a length of approximately one half of therow spacing between rows of plants. In one example, the linkage members920, 984 may have adjustable lengths depending on the row spacing for afield. Fluid outlets 930, 981 can be positioned with respect to thelinkage members 920, 984 or flexible members 922 a, 982 a for spraying afluid in close proximity to the plants. In one example, the fluid outletis positioned at a distal end of the linkage members 920, 984 andgenerates a spray or dribble that applies in a downward directiontowards a base region of plants P-9, P-10.

At least one of the frame 910 and base (e.g., 912, 972) illustrated inFIGS. 9A-9D may be coupled to or include one or more openingdiscs/coulter (e.g., 811 a, 811 b, 818, 1318, etc.) for opening a trenchin the soil and also optional trench forming members (e.g., trenchforming members 860, 862, 1360, 1362, scrapers, knives) for openingshallow trenches in the soil.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an application unit 1000 inaccordance with one embodiment. The application unit 1000 is preferablymounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawnby a tractor or other implement. A frame 1010 (e.g., rigid frame 1010)is coupled to the bar 10, a flexible frame 1011, and a base 1012. Thebase 1012 can be coupled to a sloped member 1014 (e.g., ski, groundcontacting member) and a linkage member 1020 a which is coupled to aflexible member 1022 a. In one example, these components of theapplication unit 1000 function in a similar manner in comparison to theframe, base, linkage members, and flexible members of the applicationunit 900 except that the base 1012 and flexible member 1022 a (or anyother flexible member) at least partially contact the ground 1090 whilein operation with the application unit 1000 moving in a direction D thatis substantially parallel with respect to a row of plants P-11. Thesloped member 1014 can partially contact the ground or be in closeproximity to the ground to provide a more uniform ground surface for thebase 1012 which partially contacts the ground.

A fluid outlet 1030 can be positioned with respect to the linkage memberor flexible members for spraying a fluid in close proximity to theplants. In one example, the fluid outlet is positioned at a distal endof the linkage member 1020 a and generates a spray Sa that sprays in adownward direction towards a base region of plants P-11. It should beappreciated that each fluid outlet 1030 in the various embodimentsdescribed herein is preferably in fluid communication with a source(e.g., tank 250) containing an application (e.g., fluid application,crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide or insecticide).

In another embodiment, the application unit 1000 does not includeflexible member 1022 a and the frame 1011 or the frame 1010 may also beoptional. At least one fluid outlet (e.g., 1030) sprays the fluidtowards a base region of the plants P-11.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view 1102 of an application unit 1100 inaccordance with one embodiment. The application unit 1100 is preferablymounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawnby a tractor or other implement. A frame 1110 (e.g., rigid frame 1110)is coupled to the bar 10, a frame 1112 which is coupled to an optionalbase member 1140 having an angle 1104 with respect to the frame 1112.The base member 1140 is positioned in a plane (e.g., a substantiallyhorizontal plane) above the ground 1190. The frame 1112 provides supportfor flexible members 1113-1118 and the base member 1140 may also providesupport for additional flexible members (e.g., 1141-1142). The flexiblemembers have a neutral position that is parallel to a longitudinal axisof the bar 10 if the flexible members are not in contact with plants orother objects. In operation in which the application unit 1100 moves ina direction D, the flexible members contact rows of plants and bend toprovide a lateral position of the frame 1110, 1112, and base member 1140that is approximately equidistant with respect to rows of plants. Theflexible members are arranged on the frame 1112 and optional base member1140 in a leaf like shape and pattern of flexible members. A distalregion of at least a plurality of the flexible members contains fluidoutlet fluid outlets 1171 and 1174 for spraying fluid in close proximityto the plants.

In one example, the fluid outlets are positioned approximately 0-10inches from a distal end of a distal region of the flexible members andgenerate sprays Sa and Se that spray in a downward direction towards abase region of plants P-12, P-13. It should be appreciated that eachfluid outlet in the various embodiments described herein is preferablyin fluid communication with a source (e.g., tank 250) containing anapplication (e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such as fertilizer,fungicide, herbicide or insecticide). Each fluid outlet described hereinprovides a pressurized spray (e.g., 1-200 psi, 5-100 psi, etc.) in asubstantially downward direction towards a base region of a plant.Alternatively, a fluid outlet may dribble liquid (non-pressurized).

FIG. 12 shows an example of a system 1200 that includes a machine 1202(e.g., tractor, combine harvester, etc.) and an implement 1240 (e.g.,planter, sidedress bar, cultivator, plough, sprayer, spreader,irrigation implement, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. Themachine 1202 includes a processing system 1220, memory 1205, machinenetwork 1210 (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) serial bus protocolnetwork, an ISOBUS network, etc.), and a network interface 1215 forcommunicating with other systems or devices including the implement1240. The machine network 1210 includes sensors 1212 (e.g., speedsensors), controllers 1211 (e.g., GPS receiver, radar unit) forcontrolling and monitoring operations of the machine or implement. Thenetwork interface 1215 can include at least one of a GPS transceiver, aWLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetoothtransceiver, Ethernet, or other interfaces from communications withother devices and systems including the implement 1240. The networkinterface 1215 may be integrated with the machine network 1210 orseparate from the machine network 1210 as illustrated in FIG. 12. TheI/O ports 1229 (e.g., diagnostic/on board diagnostic (OBD) port) enablecommunication with another data processing system or device (e.g.,display devices, sensors, etc.).

In one example, the machine performs operations of a tractor that iscoupled to an implement for fluid applications of a field. The flow rateof a fluid application for each row unit of the implement can beassociated with locational data at time of application to have a betterunderstanding of the applied fluid for each row and region of a field.Data associated with the fluid applications can be displayed on at leastone of the display devices 1225 and 1230.

The processing system 1220 may include one or more microprocessors,processors, a system on a chip (integrated circuit), or one or moremicrocontrollers. The processing system includes processing logic 1226for executing software instructions of one or more programs and acommunication unit 1228 (e.g., transmitter, transceiver) fortransmitting and receiving communications from the machine via machinenetwork 1210 or network interface 1215 or implement via implementnetwork 1250 or network interface 1260. The communication unit 1228 maybe integrated with the processing system or separate from the processingsystem. In one embodiment, the communication unit 1228 is in datacommunication with the machine network 1210 and implement network 1250via a diagnostic/OBD port of the I/O ports 1229.

Processing logic 1226 including one or more processors may process thecommunications received from the communication unit 1228 includingagricultural data (e.g., GPS data, fluid application data, flow rates,etc.). The system 1200 includes memory 1205 for storing data andprograms for execution (software 1206) by the processing system. Thememory 1205 can store, for example, software components such as fluidapplication software for analysis of fluid applications for performingoperations of the present disclosure, or any other software applicationor module, images (e.g., captured images of crops), alerts, maps, etc.The memory 1205 can be any known form of a machine readablenon-transitory storage medium, such as semiconductor memory (e.g.,flash; SRAM; DRAM; etc.) or non-volatile memory, such as hard disks orsolid-state drive. The system can also include an audio input/outputsubsystem (not shown) which may include a microphone and a speaker for,for example, receiving and sending voice commands or for userauthentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

The processing system 1220 communicates bi-directionally with memory1205, machine network 1210, network interface 1215, header 1280, displaydevice 1230, display device 1225, and I/O ports 1229 via communicationlinks 1231-1236, respectively.

Display devices 1225 and 1230 can provide visual user interfaces for auser or operator. The display devices may include display controllers.In one embodiment, the display device 1225 is a portable tablet deviceor computing device with a touchscreen that displays data (e.g., fluidapplication data, captured images, localized view map layer, highdefinition field maps of as-applied fluid application data, as-plantedor as-harvested data or other agricultural variables or parameters,yield maps, alerts, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural dataanalysis software application and receives input from the user oroperator for an exploded view of a region of a field, monitoring andcontrolling field operations. The operations may include configurationof the machine or implement, reporting of data, control of the machineor implement including sensors and controllers, and storage of the datagenerated. The display device 1230 may be a display (e.g., displayprovided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displaysimages and data for a localized view map layer, as-applied fluidapplication data, as-planted or as-harvested data, yield data,controlling a machine (e.g., planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.),steering the machine, and monitoring the machine or an implement (e.g.,planter, combine, sprayer, etc.) that is connected to the machine withsensors and controllers located on the machine or implement.

A cab control module 1270 may include an additional control module forenabling or disabling certain components or devices of the machine orimplement. For example, if the user or operator is not able to controlthe machine or implement using one or more of the display devices, thenthe cab control module may include switches to shut down or turn offcomponents or devices of the machine or implement.

The implement 1240 (e.g., planter, cultivator, plough, sprayer,spreader, irrigation implement, etc.) includes an implement network1250, a processing system 1262, a network interface 1260, and optionalinput/output ports 1266 for communicating with other systems or devicesincluding the machine 1202. The implement network 1250 (e.g, acontroller area network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, an ISOBUSnetwork, etc.) includes a pump 1256 for pumping fluid from a storagetank(s) 1290 to application units 1280, 1281, . . . N of the implement,sensors 1252 (e.g., speed sensors, seed sensors for detecting passage ofseed, downforce sensors, actuator valves, moisture sensors or flowsensors for a combine, speed sensors for the machine, seed force sensorsfor a planter, fluid application sensors for a sprayer, or vacuum, lift,lower sensors for an implement, flow sensors, etc.), controllers 1254(e.g., GPS receiver), and the processing system 1262 for controlling andmonitoring operations of the implement. The pump controls and monitorsthe application of the fluid to crops or soil as applied by theimplement. The fluid application can be applied at any stage of cropdevelopment including within a planting trench upon planting of seeds,adjacent to a planting trench in a separate trench, or in a region thatis nearby to the planting region (e.g., between rows of corn orsoybeans) having seeds or crop growth.

For example, the controllers may include processors in communicationwith a plurality of seed sensors. The processors are configured toprocess data (e.g., fluid application data, seed sensor data) andtransmit processed data to the processing system 1262 or 1220. Thecontrollers and sensors may be used for monitoring motors and drives ona planter including a variable rate drive system for changing plantpopulations. The controllers and sensors may also provide swath controlto shut off individual rows or sections of the planter. The sensors andcontrollers may sense changes in an electric motor that controls eachrow of a planter individually. These sensors and controllers may senseseed delivery speeds in a seed tube for each row of a planter.

The network interface 1260 can be a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver(e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver,Ethernet, or other interfaces from communications with other devices andsystems including the machine 1202. The network interface 1260 may beintegrated with the implement network 1250 or separate from theimplement network 1250 as illustrated in FIG. 12.

The processing system 1262 communicates bi-directionally with theimplement network 1250, network interface 1260, and I/O ports 1266 viacommunication links 1241-1243, respectively.

The implement communicates with the machine via wired and possibly alsowireless bi-directional communications 1204. The implement network 1250may communicate directly with the machine network 1210 or via thenetworks interfaces 1215 and 1260. The implement may also by physicallycoupled to the machine for agricultural operations (e.g., planting,harvesting, spraying, etc.).

The memory 1205 may be a machine-accessible non-transitory medium onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1206)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein. The software 1206 may also reside, completely or at leastpartially, within the memory 1205 and/or within the processing system1220 during execution thereof by the system 1200, the memory and theprocessing system also constituting machine-accessible storage media.The software 1206 may further be transmitted or received over a networkvia the network interface 1215.

In one embodiment, a machine-accessible non-transitory medium (e.g.,memory 1205) contains executable computer program instructions whichwhen executed by a data processing system cause the system to performsoperations or methods of the present disclosure. While themachine-accessible non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 1205) is shown inan exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term“machine-accessible non-transitory medium” should be taken to include asingle medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributeddatabase, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one ormore sets of instructions. The term “machine-accessible non-transitorymedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure. The term “machine-accessiblenon-transitory medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not belimited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, andcarrier wave signals.

Referring to FIG. 13A (side view), an embodiment of a fluid applicationunit 1300 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. A tractor orother implement pulls multiple side dressing fertilizer coulter units(e.g., application unit 1300). The crop may be at a seedling stage whenfertilizer is typically applied as a side dressing slightly offsetlaterally from each row of seedlings. Each application unit includes aframe 1310, a member 1316 for supporting a coulter wheel 1318 (e.g.,single disc, double disc), a member 1314 for supporting a shallow trenchforming member 1342 (e.g., scratching knife 1342) for opening a shallowtrench in the soil having a shallow depth (e.g., 0-4 inches, 0-2 inches,approximately 1 inch). The frame 1310 preferably includes an internal orexternally mounted conduit (not shown) for applying a crop input (e.g.,fluid crop input such as anhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.)with a fluid outlet 1340 into the shallow trench. A covering tine 1330(e.g., rake, closing wheel) closes the shallow trench to retain the cropinput in the soil (or ground 1390). A spring pivot 1312 allows themember 1314 and fluid outlet 1340 to pivot with a range of motion 1315with respect to the member 1316.

The frame 1310 may comprise an injection assembly (e.g., sidedressliquid fertilizer injection assembly or anhydrous injection assembly)such as those illustrated in FIG. 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,445,incorporated herein by reference or in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,581,incorporated by reference. The frame 1310 and application unit 1300 canbe used in combination with any other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In one example, the feelers 820 a, 820 b and fluid outletfluid outlets 830 a, 830 b of FIG. 8 are used in combination with theframe 1310 and application unit 1300.

FIG. 13B (top view) illustrates an embodiment of a liquid applicationunit 1350 having multiple trench forming members (e.g., knives) andfluid outlets in accordance with one embodiment. A tractor or otherimplement pulls multiple side dressing fertilizer coulter units (e.g.,application unit 1350) for forming a trench having a depth (e.g., 4-8inches, approximately 5-7 inches, etc.). The crop may be at a seedlingstage when fertilizer is typically applied as a side dressing slightlyoffset laterally from each row of seedlings. Each application unitincludes a frame (not shown), a coulter wheel 1318 for forming a deepertrench having a depth (e.g., 4-8 inches, approximately 5-7 inches,etc.), a trench forming member 1360 (e.g., scratching knife 1360) foropening a shallow trench having a shallow depth (e.g., 0-4 inches, 0-2inches, approximately 1 inch) in proximity to a row of plants P-14, anda trench forming member 1362 (e.g., scratching knife 1362) for opening ashallow trench having a shallow depth (e.g., 0-4 inches, 0-2 inches,approximately 1 inch) in proximity to a row of plants P-15. The framepreferably includes an internal or externally mounted conduit (notshown) for applying a crop input (e.g., fluid crop input such asanhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.) with fluid outlets1371-1372 into a respective trench. Each knife may be associated with arespective covering tine 1331-1332 (e.g., rake, closing wheel) forclosing the shallow trench to retain the crop input in the soil (orground) and prevent the crop input from being volatilized.

In another example, the knife 1342, fluid outlet 1340, and member 1314may optionally be included with the application unit 1350, coupled tothe member 1316, and have a lateral position that is approximatelyequidistant with respect to the rows of plants P-14, P-15. The knife1360 has a lateral position that is approximately within 5-10 inches ofthe plants P-14 while the knife 1362 has a lateral position that isapproximately within 5-10 inches of the plants P-15. In this manner,crop input can be supplied at any desired location at any desired depthwithin approximately 5 inches of a row of plants. Any desired percentageof crop input can be applied to each fluid outlet 1340, 1371-1372 foroptimal plant growth. In one example, a first percentage of a crop inputis applied to the fluid outlet 1340 and a second percentage of a cropinput is applied to the fluid outlets 1371 and 1372.

Where reference is made to a fluid/liquid as to any of the variousembodiments disclosed herein, it should be appreciated that any fluidmay be similarly transferred and applied by such embodiments; e.g., in aliquid, gaseous, dense phase or transitional phase.

For each of the fluid application unit embodiments described herein,multiple units are preferably disposed along the length of the bar,e.g., such that one, two or more rows of plants are disposed betweeneach unit.

FIG. 14 illustrates an adjustable bracket 1400 for coupling any of theframes described herein to a bar 10 in accordance with one embodiment.The bracket 1400 is preferably adjustable such that the frame (e.g.,frames 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) of any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be mounted to any bar (e.g., bar 10) havingvariable size and cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated embodiment,a rotating member 1432 (e.g., dial 1432) may be manipulated or rotatedby the installer to adjust a position of a retaining member 1434 inorder to retain the bracket 1400 on bars 10 having various widths. Inthe illustrated embodiment the bracket 900 includes two separableportions 1440, 1450 which may be separated for installation and thensecured to one another such as by bolts (not shown). The frame 1410 maybe fixed to the bracket 1400 by U-bolts 1412 a, 1412 b and/or by anyquick coupling structure known in the art.

FIG. 15A illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1500 inaccordance with one embodiment. The application unit 1500 is preferablymounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawnby a tractor or other implement. A frame 1510 (e.g., rigid frame 1510)is coupled to the bar 10, a frame 1511 (flexible frame, rigid frame),and a base 1512. It should be appreciated that frame 1510 and 1511 couldbe a unitary part. The base 1512 includes a biasing element 1513 (e.g.,spring) to bias or position linkage members 1520 a, 1520 b outwardstowards rows of plants P-16, P-17. The base 1512 also includes pins 1514a, 1514 b positioned in holes to set a width for biasing of the linkagemembers for different crop row spacing. The base 1512 includesadditional holes 1515 a, 1515 b and 1516 a, 1516 b to reduce a width ofthe linkage members 1520 a, 1520 b to adjust for different crop rowspacing or for different types of crops. For a turn of a tractor and animplement having a plurality of application units 1500, the biasingelement and pins cause the flexible members to flex inwards. Optionally,a rotating swivel 1570 or 1571 can be disposed between bar 10 and frame1510 and/or between frame 1511 and base 1512. The degree of rotation canbe any desired degree, but actual rotation will be limited by themovement in the rows. Having a rotating swivel 1570 or 1571 providesmore flexibility during use to keep application unit 1500 in the rowwithout providing too much force on the plants.

The biasing element 1513 biases angular positions of the first andsecond linkage members 1520 a and 1520 b such that distal ends 1521 a,1521 b of the linkage members have a spacing 1525 that is similar to arow spacing of the rows of plants P-16, P-17.

In another embodiment, biasing element 1513 can be replaced with apressure actuated biased return pistons 1540 a and 1540 b shown in anisometric view of an application unit 1532 in FIG. 15B. Pressureactuated biased return pistons 1540 a and 1540 b are oppositely disposedand coupled with a coupler 1541, which has a fluid inlet 1542 forsupplying pressure to pressure actuated biased return pistons 1540 a and1540 b through the coupler 1541. The pistons in the pressure actuatedbiased return pistons 1540 a and 1540 b are in communication with pivots1543 a and 1543 b, respectively, disposed on base 1512 at the edges ofbase 1512. Pivots 1543 a and 1543 b are disposed on base 1512 via pins1544 a and 1544 b, respectively. Linkage members 1520 a and 1520 b aredisposed on pivots 1543 a and 1543 b, respectively. Linkages 1520 a and1520 b have fluid inlets 1520-la and 1520-1 b, respectively, and are influid communication with the fluid system. Pressure actuated biasedreturn pistons 1540 a and 1540 b connect to pivots 1543 a and 1543 bbetween pins 1544 a and 1544 b and base edge 1512 a. As shown in FIG.15B, pressure actuated biased return pistons 1540 a and 1540 b aredirectly connected to pivots 1543 a and 1543 b, respectively, but theycould also be connected through optional pivot connections 1545 a and1545 b, respectively, similar to connectors 1705 a and 1705 b in FIG.17A.

Similar to as shown in FIG. 15B for the pressure actuated biased returnpistons that are similar to the pressure actuated biased return pistonsin FIG. 17A, any of the embodiments in FIGS. 17D to 19C can also bedisposed on base 1512.

The fluid to drive the pistons can be from the fluid, or it can be froma pneumatic or hydraulic system on the toolbar (not shown). With thefluid system, when fluid is applied, the pressure in the fluid systemwill cause the pressure actuated biased return pistons 1540 a and 1540 bto bias outwards to the edge of base 1512. When the fluid application isturned off, the biased return in the pressure actuated biased returnpistons 1540 a and 1540 b will bias the piston toward the middle of base1512. For the pneumatic or hydraulic system, these can be activatedmanually or automatically when the fluid system is turned on.

The benefit of having the dual direction biasing is that the linkagemembers 1520 a and 1520 b will bias outwards towards the plants duringfluid application, and will bias toward the middle of the row when thefluid system is not on. By having the linkage members 1520 a and 1520 bbias toward the middle of the row, application unit (e.g., 1500, 1532,etc.) can be reversed down the row. This can be helpful when steeringcauses misalignment in a row, and the application unit (e.g., 1500,1532) needs to back up to correct the steering. If linkage members 1520a and 1520 b are always biased towards the plants, they would catch andfold over the plants if run in a reversed direction.

The linkage members 1520 a, 1520 b are coupled to flexible members 1522a, 1522 b respectively. In one example, the linkage members position theflexible members 1522 a, 1522 b in close proximity to a target region ofthe plants. The flexible members 1522 a, 1522 b can be any type offlexible material (e.g., hoses) or can be replaced with pipes. It shouldbe appreciated that linkage members 1520 a, 1520 b and flexible members1522 a, 1522 b, respectively, can be made as unitary parts. In oneexample, these components of the application unit 1500 function in asimilar manner in comparison to the frame, base, linkage members, andflexible members of the application unit 1000 with the ground contactingmembers 1524 a, 1524 b (e.g., ski, skid, wear element, etc.) at leastpartially contacting the ground while in operation with the applicationunit 1500 moving in a direction D that is substantially parallel withrespect to rows of plants P-16 and P-17. The ground contacting members1524 a, 1524 b substantially prevent the flexible members 1522 a, 1522 bfrom contacting the ground and thus reduce wear on the flexible members1522 a, 1522 b. The ground contacting members 1524 a, 1524 b alsoposition the flexible members 1522 a, 1522 b to be slightly elevated(e.g., 0 to 3 inches) above the ground.

Fluid outlets 1530 a, 1530 b (e.g., spray nozzle, drip mechanism) arepositioned with respect to a distal portion 1528 a, 1528 b of flexiblemembers 1522 a, 1522 b for spraying a fluid in close proximity to theplants. In one example, the fluid outlets are positioned at a distal endof the distal portions of the flexible members and generate a spray Sa,Sb that sprays in a downward direction towards a base region of plantsP-16, P-17, respectively. It should be appreciated that each fluidoutlet in the various embodiments described herein is preferably influid communication with a source (e.g., tank 250) containing anapplication (e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such as fertilizer,fungicide, herbicide or insecticide).

In another embodiment, the application unit 1500 optionally includes ahousing member 1580 for positioning a plurality of fluid outlets (e.g.,1581-1585) at a plurality of different angles (e.g., angled down towardsground, angle outwards from the housing member 1580) having a maximumrange of approximately 180 degrees. Additional or fewer fluid outletscan be positioned with the housing member 1580. Each fluid outlet canhave a fixed position or an adjustable angular position for spraying afluid towards a base region of the plants or towards a certain targetregion between the rows of plants P-16, P-17. The fluid sprayed by thefluid outlets 1581-1585 can be the same fluid that is spraying by thefluid outlets 1530 a, 1530 b or this fluid can be different. In oneexample, the fluid outlets 1581-1585 spray a fungicide.

The frame (e.g., 1510, 1511), base, linkage members, and flexiblemembers preferably include an internal or externally mounted conduit(not shown) for applying a crop input (e.g., fluid crop input such asanhydrous or other fertilizer, nutrients, etc.) towards a target regionof the plants or into trenches. The frame may comprise an injectionassembly (e.g., sidedress liquid fertilizer injection assembly oranhydrous injection assembly) such as those illustrated in FIG. 7 ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,890,445, incorporated herein by reference or in U.S.Pat. No. 8,910,581, incorporated by reference; the fluid outlets, aswell as related linkage structure are preferably fixed to the sides ofsuch an injection assembly for spraying or dribbling a liquid on nearbyplants or towards a target region of the plants.

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1600positioned in proximity to rows of plants in accordance with oneembodiment. The application unit 1600 includes similar components andfunctionality in comparison to the application unit 1500 of FIG. 15. Theapplication unit 1600 is preferably mounted to a transversely extendingbar 10 (not shown in FIG. 16) drawn by a tractor or other implement. Aframe 1610 (e.g., 1510, 1511) is coupled to the bar 10, and a base 1612.The base 1612 includes a biasing element 1613 (e.g., spring) to bias orposition linkage members 1620 a, 1620 b outwards towards rows of plantsP-18, P-19. The linkage members 1620 a, 1620 b are coupled to flexiblemembers 1622 a, 1622 b respectively. The flexible members can be anytype of flexible material (e.g., hoses) or can be replaced with pipes.In one example, the ground contacting members 1624 a, 1624 b (e.g., ski,skid, wear element, etc.) at least partially contact the ground 1690while in operation with the application unit 1600 moving in a directionD that is substantially parallel with respect to rows of plants P-18 andP-19. The ground contacting members 1624 a, 1624 b substantially preventthe flexible members 1622 a, 1622 b from contacting the ground and thusreduce wear on the flexible members 1622 a, 1622 b. The groundcontacting members 1624 a, 1624 b also position the flexible members1622 a, 1622 b to be slightly elevated (e.g., 0 to 3 inches) above theground.

Fluid outlets 1630 a, 1630 b (e.g., spray nozzle, drip mechanism) arepositioned with respect to a distal end of flexible members for sprayinga fluid in close proximity to the plants. In one example, the fluidoutlets generate spray Sa, Sb that sprays in a downward directiontowards a base region of plants P-18, P-19, respectively. It should beappreciated that each fluid outlet in the various embodiments describedherein is preferably in fluid communication with a source (e.g., tank250) containing an application (e.g., fluid application, crop inputssuch as fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide or insecticide).

FIG. 17A illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1700 formounting to a coulter fertilizer disc 1790. Coulter fertilizer disc 1790has a toolbar arm 1799 for connection to bar 10. Attached to toolbar arm1799 is a bracket 1793 for connecting coulter mounting arm 1792. At theopposing end, disc 1791 is mounted to coulter mounting arm 1792 alongwith blade mounting arm 1794 disposed rearward of the direction oftravel of coulter fertilizer disc 1790. Connected to blade mounting arm1794 is a blade 1795 (or a sprayer not shown) with fluid line 1796.Application unit 1700 has a bracket 1701 (generally shown with a Ushape) that connects to where blade 1795 (or sprayer) connects to blademounting arm 1794 with a closed end of the bracket 1702 forward of disc1791. Application unit 1700 is used in conjunction with the embodimentsof FIGS. 17B to 19C below, which show application unit 1700 in partial.

Disposed near closed end of the bracket 1702 are pivots 1703 a and 1703b that are disposed on bracket 1701 through pins 1704 a and 1704 b,respectively as illustrated in isometric view 1750 of FIG. 17B and sideview 1752 of FIG. 17C in accordance with one embodiment. Actuating thepivots 1703 a and 1703 b are pressure actuated biased return pistons1710 a and 1710 b, respectively. Pressure actuated biased return pistons1710 a and 1710 b can directly connect to pivots 1703 a and 1703 b asshown in FIG. 15B for pressure actuated biased return pistons 1540 a and1540 b to pivots 1543 a and 1543 b. Alternatively, pressure actuatedbiased return pistons 1710 a and 1710 b can connect through piston arms1708 a and 1708 b, respectively, and connectors 1705 a and 1705 b,respectively, to pivots 1703 a and 1703 b, respectively. In eitherembodiment, the connection on the side of the pins 1704 a and 1704 b isaway from closed end of the bracket 1702. Disposed between pressureactuated biased return pistons 1710 a and 1710 b is a coupler 1711having a fluid inlet 1712. Connected to pivots 1703 a and 1703 b arelinkages 1720 a and 1720 b, respectively. Linkages 1720 a and 1720 b(e.g., arms) have fluid inlets 1721 a and 1721 b, respectively, and arein fluid communication with the fluid system.

The fluid to drive the pistons is described above for application unit1500.

FIG. 17D illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1780 inaccordance with another embodiment. This application unit 1780 includessimilar components in comparison to the components of application unit1750 of FIG. 17B, except that linkage members 1520 a′ and 1520 b′include distal portions that curve inwards towards each other. Any ofthe other embodiments discussed herein may also have linkage members1520 a and 1520 b having a similar inwards curvature.

In other alternatives shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the fluid actuationwith the pressure actuated biased return pistons 1710 a and 1710 b arereplaced by solenoids 1810 a and 1810 b, which are disposed on bracket1702 via brackets 1811 a and 1811 b, respectively, as illustrated inapplication unit 1800 of FIG. 18A. Solenoids 1810 a and 1810 b areactivated by an electrical switch (not shown). In place of solenoids1810 a and 1810 b can be electric motors 1820 a and 1820 b,respectively, as illustrated in application unit 1850 of FIG. 18B.

In other alternatives shown in linkage systems 1990-1992 of FIGS. 19A to19C, respectively, the fluid actuation with the pressure actuated biasedreturn pistons 1710 a and 1710 b are replaced by linkage system 1990,which is disposed on bracket 1702 via bracket 1960. Linkage system 1990has an actuator 1951 in communication with gear box 1950 for acting onlinkage arms 1952 a and 1952 b. Linkage arms 1952 a and 1952 b areconnected to connectors 1705 a and 1705 b, respectively, or directly topivots 1703 a and 1703 b, respectively (not shown). Actuator 1951 can beactuated by solenoid 1910 in FIG. 19A or electrical motor 1920 oflinkage system 1991 in FIG. 19B, which are disposed on bracket 1702 viabracket 1911. Solenoid 1910 and electrical motor are activated by anelectrical switch (not shown). Alternatively, actuator 1951 can beactuated by ground contacting arm 1940 of linkage system 1992 asillustrated in FIG. 19C. When ground contacting arm 1940 contacts theground, ground contacting arm causes pivot 1941 to pivot and actuateactuator 1951.

The linkage members (arms) discussed herein can be actuated withsolenoids, electrical motors, or via a linkage using at least onesolenoid, motor, or ground contact. The electrical switch in the aboveembodiments can be a separate switch activated by an operator whencoulter fertilizer disc 1790 is lowered to the ground, or the electricalswitch can activated when the coulter fertilizer disc 1790 is commandedto be lowered. Alternatively, the electrical switch can be activated byground contact.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments. Specifics in theexamples may be used anywhere in one or more embodiments.

For example, in one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame tobe positioned in operation between first and second rows of plants, afirst plant contacting member being pivotally coupled to the frame inoperation such that the first plant contacting member to be deflectedrearwardly with respect to a direction of motion of the frame upon thefirst plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants ofthe first row of plants which causes a first change in orientation ofthe first plant contacting member with respect to the frame. A firstoutlet applies a fluid application to the first row of plants with thefirst outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contactingmember. The first change in orientation causes a corresponding secondchange in orientation of the first outlet with respect to the frame.

In another example, the application unit further includes a second plantcontacting member being pivotally coupled to the frame in operation suchthat the second plant contacting member to be deflected rearwardly withrespect to the direction of motion of the frame upon the second plantcontacting member contacting at least one of the plants of the secondrow of plants which causes a third change in orientation of the secondplant contacting member with respect to the frame. A second outletapplies a fluid application to the second row of plants with the secondoutlet being mechanically linked to the second plant contacting member.The third change in orientation causes a corresponding fourth change inorientation of the second outlet with respect to the frame.

In another embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to bepositioned in operation between two rows of plants and a base membercoupled to the frame. The base member to be positioned in proximity to aground surface while in operation. First and second plant guidancemembers are coupled to the base member in operation such that the firstand second plant guidance members guide a lateral position of the basemember to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants basedupon whether at least one of the first and second plant guidance memberscontacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants.

In one example, the application unit further includes first and secondoutlets coupled to the base member in operation such that a change inlateral position of the base member causes a corresponding change inposition of the first and second outlets for applying a fluidapplication to the plants.

In another embodiment, a closer 2010 or closer 2020 can be disposedafter coulter fertilizer disk 1790 in a direction of travel DT of thecoulter fertilizer disk 1790. Different embodiments of closer 2010 areillustrated in FIGS. 20A to 20F, and closer 2020 is illustrated in FIGS.21A to 21B. FIG. 20A is a side elevation view of a closer on a coulterwheel according to one embodiment. FIG. 20B is a rear view of the closerof FIG. 20A according to one embodiment in which the top and bottom ofthe arms are equidistant to the axis through the trench and the frontand back of the arms are equidistant to the axis through the trench.FIG. 20C is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the bottom of the arms are closer to the axisthrough the trench than the top of the arms. FIG. 20D is a rear view ofthe closer of FIG. 20A according to one embodiment in which the back ofthe arms are closer to the axis through the trench than the front of thearms.

FIG. 20E is a rear view of the closer of FIG. 20A according to oneembodiment in which the bottom of the arms are closer to the axisthrough the trench than the top of the arms and the back of the arms arecloser to the axis through the trench than the front of the arms. FIG.20F is a side view of the closer of FIG. 20B according to one embodimentin which the bottom of the arm is at least partially disposed behind thetop of the arm in a direction of travel.

FIG. 21A is a side elevation view of an alternative closer disposed on ablade according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a rear elevation view of the blade and closer of FIG. 21A.

The embodiments of closer 2010 or closer 2020 can all be used with theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 17A, which further includes blade 1795.Closer 2010 or closer 2020 can be disposed behind blade 1795 of FIG. 17Ain a direction of travel DT of the coulter fertilizer disk 1790 byattachment to blade mounting arm 1794 or attachment to blade 1795. Also,blade 1795 from FIG. 17A can be disposed on mounting arm 2005 instead ofblade mounting arm 1794.

Closer 2010 has a top bar 2011 and at least one arm 2012 disposeddownwardly from top bar 2011. Top bar 2011 can be disposed on mountingarm 2005 by any suitable attachment, such as welding, bolting, orriveting. Top bar 2011 can be generally horizontal, and extendstransversely across a trench T created by disk 1791 and/or blade 1795.In one embodiment, there can be two arms 2012-1 and 2012-2 disposed ontop bar 2011 as illustrated in FIG. 20B.

Arm 2012 has a top edge 2012 t, a bottom edge 2012 b, a front edge 2012f, and a back edge 2012 bk. Arm 2012 (or arms 2012-1 and 2012-2 havingthe same top edge 2012 t-1, 2012 t-2; bottom edge 2012 b-1, 2012 b-2;front edge 2012 f-1, 2012 f-2; and back edge 2012 bk-1, 2012 bk-2) canbe disposed according to one or more of the following configurationswith respect to an axis through trench T along a direction of travel DTof coulter fertilizer disk 1790: the bottom edge 2012 b (2012 b-1, 2012b-2) and the top edge 2012 t (2012 t-1, 2012 t-2) are equidistant to theaxis (illustrated in FIG. 20B); the bottom edge 2012 b (2012 b-1, 2012b-2) is closer to the axis than the top edge 2012 t (2012 t-1, 2012 t-2)(illustrated in FIG. 20C); the back edge 2012 bk (2012 bk-1, 2012 bk-2)is closer to the axis than the front edge 2012 f (2012 f-1, 2012 f-2)(illustrated in FIG. 20D); both the bottom edge 2012 b (2012 b-1, 2012b-2) is closer to the axis than the top edge 2012 t (2012 t-1, 2012 t-2)and the back edge 2012 bk (2012 bk-1, 2012 bk-2) is closer to the axisthan the front edge 2012 f (2012 f-1, 2012 f-2) (illustrated in FIG.20E); or the bottom edge 2012 b (2012 b-1, 2012 b-2) is disposed atleast partially behind the top edge 2012 t (2012 t-1, 2012 t-2) along adirection of travel DT (illustrated in FIG. 20F using the embodimentfrom FIG. 20B. While illustrated with the embodiment from FIG. 20B, theembodiment from FIG. 20F can be used with any of the embodimentsillustrated in any of FIGS. 20C, 20D, and 20E.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, closer 2010 can be replaced withcloser 2020. In this embodiment, closer 2020 is disposed on blade 1795.Closer 2020 has a planer shape and a width that extends over the trenchT created by disk 1791. As coulter fertilizer disk 1790 traverses afield and creates a trench T, closer 2020 levels soil displaced by disk1791 and/or blade 1795.

As shown, closer 2010 or closer 2020 is connected to mounting arm 2005or knife 1795, respectively. Alternative, closer 2010, closer 2020 canbe connected to bar 10 by a mounting arm (not shown).

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a nozzle 3000 that can be disposed at theend of the fluid lines described herein (such as flexible member 922,flexible member 982, flexible member 1022, flexible member 1522, linkagemember 1520, or fluid outlets 1530). Fluid line 3010 is connected to anozzle housing 3021. Nozzle housing 3021 has a nozzle 3022 disposedopposite to the fluid line 3010. Nozzle housing 3021 and nozzle 3022 canbe a unitary part or separate parts. Nozzle 3022 has an outlet 3023disposed in nozzle 3022 for dispensing fluid. As shown, outlet 3023 isdisposed downward towards the ground. Also, outlet 3023 can be disposedon the side facing towards plants (not shown). Outlet 3023 canoptionally have an aerator 3025 disposed in itself to regulate the flowfluid. Nozzle housing 3021 further includes a ski 3030 (such as a springwire) disposed through nozzle housing 3021 and extending backward awayfrom nozzle housing 3021 for engaging the ground to keep the nozzleoutlet 3023 from contacting the ground to improve fluid flow.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flexible member 3050 that includes a reinforcement3051 disposed on or in flexible member 3050. This embodiment can be usedwith any flexible member described herein (such as flexible member 922,flexible member 982, flexible member 1022, or flexible member 1522). Anunreinforced flexible member, such as a hose, can flop around whilebeing drawn through a field. This can cause fluid to not be dispensed inthe selected area. Reinforcement 3051 can add stiffness to flexiblemember 3050 and to keep flexible member 3050 biased against plants. Inone embodiment, reinforcement 3051 is a wire.

Illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B are cradles 3100 a, 3100 b, which canbe used to hold members 3110 a, 3110 b (such as flexible member 922,flexible member 982, flexible member 1022, flexible member 1522, linkagemember 1520, or fluid outlets 1530) when used in conjunction with any ofthe application units 1700, 1750, 1752, 1780, 1800, 1850, or 1992 asillustrated in FIGS. 17A to 19C. When disk 1791 is raised for transport,members 3110 a, 3110 b will tend to drag towards the ground under thepull of gravity. Cradles 3100 a, 3100 b can be disposed on bracket 1701transverse to the direction of travel. Members 3110 a, 3110 b can bestored in cradles 3100 a, 3110 b, respectively. Optionally, members 3110a, 3110 b are latchable in cradles 3100 a, 3100 b with latches 3101 a,3101 b, respectively, which are hingably engaged with cradles 3100 a,3100 b, respectively. Side a is illustrated, but side b has the sameconfiguration on the other side.

FIG. 25 illustrates an application unit 3200 as an alternativeembodiment for application unit 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15A. Base 1512is replaced with base 3212, and linkage members 1520 a, 1520 b arereplaced by linkage members 3220 a, 3220 b, respectively. Linkagemembers 3220 a, 3220 b are pivotally connected to base 3212 throughpivots 3201 a, 3201 b, respectively. Linkage members 3220 a, 3220 b havea portion 3221 a, 3221 b that extend forward of base 3212 in a directionof travel. Base 3212 has walls 3202 a, 3202 b extending forward of base3212 in a direction of travel. Biasing members 3203 a, 3203 b (such as aspring) are disposed between walls 3202 a, 3202 b and portions 3221 a,3221 b, respectively, to bias portions 3221 a, 3221 b away from walls3202 a, 3202 b so that flexible members 3222 a, 3222 b are biasedtowards the plants.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment in which a flexible member 3322 (suchas flexible member 922, flexible member 982, flexible member 1022, orflexible member 1522) has a spring 3303 a, 3303 b disposed over flexiblemember 3322 (e.g., 3322 a, 3322 b) proximate to the end opposite of thedischarge of flexible member 3322. Spring 3303 can be the only biasingin the application unit, or spring 3303 can be used with any otherbiasing described herein. Components of the nozzle 3000 of FIG. 22A arecoupled to the flexible member 3322 a and 3322 b. The nozzle 3000includes fluid line 3010 (e.g., 3010 a, 3010 b) that is connected to anozzle housing 3021 (e.g., 3021 a, 3021 b). Nozzle housing 3021 has anozzle 3022 (e.g., 3022 a, 3022 b) disposed opposite to the fluid line3010. Nozzle housing 3021 and nozzle 3022 can be a unitary part orseparate parts. Nozzle 3022 has an outlet 3023 (e.g., 3023 a, 3023 b)disposed in nozzle 3022 for dispensing fluid. As shown, outlet 3023 isdisposed downward towards the ground. Also, outlet 3023 can be disposedon the side facing towards plants. Outlet 3023 can optionally have anaerator 3025 disposed in itself to regulate the flow fluid (not shown).

FIGS. 27A to 27G illustrate another embodiment for an application unit2700. Application unit 2700 is connected to a vertical support 2799,which is connected to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar orboom) drawn by a tractor or other implement. Vertical support 2799 canhave a length such that application unit 2700 is disposed at the bottomof vertical support 2799 proximate to the ground. An optional coulterassembly 2780 can also be connected to vertical support 2799 posteriorto application unit 2700 in a direction of travel. In one embodimentthat does not include coulter assembly 2780, vertical support 2799 canhave a length so that application unit 2700 is proximate to the ground.Or vertical support 2799 can have a length that extends to where coulterassembly 2780 attaches, and application unit 2700 attaches to verticalsupport proximate to where coulter assembly attaches. Even when coulterassembly 2780 is not included, there is an advantage to havingapplication unit 2700 disposed above the ground and not proximate to theground to avoid having application unit 2700 from impacting the groundas contoured terrain is encountered.

Application unit 2700 includes a bracket 2701 for connecting to verticalsupport 2799. Connected to bracket 2701 is a pivot 2705 having avertical axis to permit application unit 2700 to pivot in a horizontalplane. This allows application unit 2700 to freely pivot to provideself-alignment between adjacent rows of plants in the event thatapplication unit 2700 is not centered between the rows during operation.Optionally, a deflector 2710 is disposed on the front of applicationunit 2700 in the direction of travel. Deflector 2710 is connected via adeflector bracket 2711 to bracket 2701. In one embodiment, deflectorbracket 2711 has arms 2712 a, 2712 b, which can be a unitary part orseparate parts.

The description below is for both sides of application unit 2700. Forclarity, one side of application unit is illustrated in the drawings. Itis understood, that the same parts are also disposed on the other sideof application unit 2700.

Disposed below pivot 2705 is bracket base 2702. Pivotally connected tobracket base 2702 is bracket assembly 2740 (2740 a, 2740 b) throughpivot 2747 (2747 a, 2747 b) on a horizontal axis to permit verticalrotation of bracket assembly 2740 (2740 a, 2740 b). Pivotally connectedto bracket assembly 2740 (2740 a, 2740 b) is bracket assembly 2730 (2730a, 2730 b) through pivot 2737 (2737 a, 3737 b) to permit rotationtransverse to the direction of travel.

Bracket assembly 2730 (2730 a, 2730 b) has a bracket base 2731 (2731 a,2731 b). Connected to bracket base 2731 (2731 a, 2731 b) is a fluid arm2720 (2720 a, 2720 b). Connected to fluid arm 2720 (2720 a, 2720 b) is afluid line 2722 (2722 a, 2722 b), which is fluid communication with afluid source (e.g., tank 250). Bracket base 2731 (2731 a, 2731 b) isbiased outward by bias element 2735 (2735 a, 2735 b). Bias element 2735(2735 a, 2735 b), such as a spring, is disposed over element 2734 (2734a, 2734 b), which is connected to a bracket 2732 (2732 a, 2732 b), whichis connected to bracket base 2741 (2741 a, 2741 b). Element 2734 (2734a, 2734 b) is disposed through a bracket 2733 (2733 a, 2733 b). Biaselement 2735 (2735 a, 2735 b) is disposed over element 2734 (2734 a,2734 b) between a stop 2736 (2736 a, 2736 b) and a side of bracket 2733(2733 a, 2733 b) away from bracket 2732 (2732 a, 2732 b).

Bracket assembly 2740 (2740 a, 2740 b) includes a bracket base 2741(2741 a, 2741 b). Bias element 2745 (2745 a, 2745 b), such as a spring,is disposed over element 2744 (2734 a, 2744 b), which is connected to abracket 2742 (2742 a, 2742 b), which is connected to bracket base 2741(2741 a, 2741 b). Element 2744 (2744 a, 2744 b) is disposed through abracket 2709, which is connected to bracket base 2702. Bias element 2745(2745 a, 2745 b) is disposed over element 2744 (2744 a, 2744 b) betweena stop 2746 (2746 a, 2746 b) and a side of bracket 2709 away frombracket 2742 (2742 a, 2742 b). Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 27G,bias element 2748 (2748 a, 2748 b) is disposed over element 2744 (2744a, 2744 b) on a side of bracket 2709 opposite to biasing element 2745(2745 a, 2745 b). Balancing the amount of bias between bias element 2745(2745 a, 2745 b) and bias element 2748 (2748 a, 2748 b) can determinethe amount of down rotation.

As illustrated, application unit 2700 has two degrees for biasing fluidarms 2720 a, 2720 b outward and down. In another embodiment, such aswhen application unit 2700 is disposed proximate to the ground, downbiasing is not needed. In this embodiment, bracket assembly 2730 (2730a, 2730 b) is pivotally connected to bracket base 2702, bracket 2732(2732 a, 2732 b) is connected to bracket base 2702, and bracket assembly2740 (2740 a, 2740 b) and member 2709 are not included (not shown).

Optionally, disposed on the discharge end of fluid arms 2720 a, 2720 bis nozzle 3000. In one embodiment, the rotation of fluid arms 2720 a,2720 b outward towards the plant transverse to the direction of travelcan be limited by stop 2721 (2721 a, 2721 b), which is disposed onbracket base 2741 (2741 a, 2741 b) to limit the rotation of bracket base2731 (2731 a, 2731 b). In another embodiment, a tab 2704 is disposed onthe underside of bracket 2701. A stop 2703, which can have a U shape, isconnected to bracket base 2702, and which limits the rotation ofapplication unit 2700 when tab 2704 contacts stop 2703. In anotherembodiment, counteracting forces from bias element 2738 (2738 a, 2738 b)can limit the rotation of bracket base 2731 (2731 a, 2731 b) by beingdisposed over element 2734 (2734 a, 2734 b) on a side of bracket 2733(2733 a, 2733 b) opposite to biasing element 2735 (2735 a, 2735 b). Inone embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27C, nozzle 3022 does not contact theplants, and the contact is made by ski 3030 a, 3030 b.

Optionally, coulter assembly 2780 can be connected to vertical support2799. Coulter bracket arm 2781 is connected to vertical support 2799 ata first end, and at the opposite end, coulter 2782 is rotationallyconnected to coulter bracket arm 2781. Optionally, an extension arm 2783is connected to coulter bracket arm 2781 and disposed rearwardly along adirection of travel. A knife 2784 is disposed downwardly from extensionarm 2783 to engage the ground posterior to coulter 2782. Optionally, afluid application line 2785 is disposed on knife 2784 for depositingfluid into the ground. As shown, application line 2785 is disposed onthe posterior side of knife 2784 in the direction of travel, butapplication line 2785 can be disposed on any side of knife 2784.

Optionally, a cradle 2770 can be connected to bracket 2701 and disposedrearwardly in the direction of travel. Cradle 2770 has arms 2771 a, 2771b and each has a receiver 2772 a, 2772 b, respectively (with an openingdisposed upwards) for holding and retaining arms, respectively, when notin use, such as during transport. Arms 2771 a, 2771 b can be made as aunitary part or separate parts.

In addition to any of the application units described above, at leastone sprayer may be further included. An example of a sprayer can befound in US20170049043, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment, dampers can be included to dampen the motion ofany member that contact plants. Examples of members include parts 922,982, 1522, 1528, 1520, 1720, 3030, and 3110. In any of the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28D, the fluid application members are influid communication with a fluid source (not shown).

Illustrated in FIG. 28A, application unit 2891 includes a base 2812 withfluid application member 2805 (2805 a, 2805 b) for dispensing fluid.Damper 2861 (2861 a, 2861 b), such as a coil spring, is disposed aboutfluid application member 2805. Plant contacting member 2851 (2851 a,2851 b) is connected to and extends from damper 2861 to contact plants.Plant contacting member 2851 can be a wire. Vibrations in plantcontacting member 2851 are dampened by damper 2861.

Illustrated in FIG. 28B, application unit 2892 includes base 2812 withfluid application member 2806 (2806 a, 2806 b) for dispensing fluid.Connected to fluid application member 2806 is a plant contacting member2830 (2830 a, 2830 b) for extending to and contacting plants. Disposedbetween plant contacting member 2830 and fluid application member 2806is a damper 2862 (2862 a, 2862 b) for dampening vibrations caused byplant contacting member 2830 contacting plants. Examples of damper 2862include, but are not limited to, shock absorber and dashpot.

Illustrated in FIG. 28C, application unit 2893 includes a base 2812 withfluid application member 2807 (2807 a, 2807 b) that extend from base2812 to deliver fluid and contact plants. Connected to base 2812 anddisposed to contact fluid application member 2807 is damper 2862 (2862a, 2862 b).

Illustrated in FIG. 28D, application unit 2894 includes a base 2812 andlinkage member 2820 (2820 a, 2820 b) for conveying fluid. Connected tolinkage member 2820 is fluid application member 2822 (2822 a, 2822 b).Fluid application member can be a hose. Attached to fluid applicationmember 2822 and extending to and contacting plants is plant contactingmember 2851 (2851 a, 2851 b). Plant contacting member 2851 can be a wireor other flexible material. Connected to base 2812 and disposed tocontact plant contacting member 2851 is damper 2862 (2862 a, 2862 b).

In another embodiment, with or without the damper, any of members thatcontact plants (such as 922, 982, 1522, 1528, 1520, 1720, 2851, 2830,2807, 3030, 3110) have a length such that the member is in contact withat least two plants. Being in contact with at least two plants minimizesthe outward flexing of the member.

While not shown, it is understood that any application unit describedherein is in fluid communication with a source (e.g., tank 250)containing an application (e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such asfertilizer, fungicide, herbicide or insecticide).

Any of the following examples can be combined into a single embodimentor these examples can be separate embodiments. In one example, anapplication unit comprises a frame to be positioned in operation betweenfirst and second rows of plants, a first plant contacting member beingpivotally coupled to the frame in operation such that the first plantcontacting member to be deflected rearwardly with respect to a directionof motion of the frame upon the first plant contacting member contactingat least one of the plants of the first row of plants which causes afirst change in orientation of the first plant contacting member withrespect to the frame, and a first outlet for applying a liquidapplication to the first row of plants with the first outlet beingmechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, wherein thefirst change in orientation causes a corresponding second change inorientation of the first outlet with respect to the frame.

In another example, the application unit further comprises a secondplant contacting member being pivotally coupled to the frame inoperation such that the second plant contacting member to be deflectedrearwardly with respect to the direction of motion of the frame upon thesecond plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants ofthe second row of plants which causes a third change in orientation ofthe second plant contacting member with respect to the frame and asecond outlet for applying a liquid application to the second row ofplants with the second outlet being mechanically linked to the secondplant contacting member. The third change in orientation causes acorresponding fourth change in orientation of the second outlet withrespect to the frame.

In another example, the first plant contacting member is disposed abovethe first outlet.

In another example the first plant contacting member is disposed belowthe first outlet.

In another example, the first plant contacting member is connected tothe first outlet by a rigid link.

In another example, the first plant contacting member is connected tothe first outlet through a gear that raises or lowers the first outletas the first plant contacting member is deflected rearwardly.

In another example, the application unit further comprises a biasingelement to bias the first plant contacting member forward when notcontacting a plant, and the gear raises the first outlet.

In another example, the frame further comprises a ground engagingelement disposed on the frame and disposed to contact the ground duringoperation.

In another example, the ground engaging element is a wheel.

In another example, the ground engaging element is a ski.

In another example, the application unit further comprises at least oneopening disc connected to the frame for opening a trench.

In another example, the application unit further comprises a fluidconduit for applying fluid to the trench.

In another example, the application unit further comprises at least onetrench forming member connected to the frame to open at least onesecondary trench.

In another example, the opening disc is disposed to open the trenchunder the frame, and the at least one trench forming member is disposedto open the second trench between the trench and the row of plants.

In another example, the at least one trench forming member comprises afirst trench forming member and a second trench forming member. Thefirst trench forming member forms a first secondary trench between thetrench and a row of plants on a first side and the second trench formingmember forms a second secondary trench between the trench and a row ofplants on a second side.

In another example, the application unit further comprising a firstfluid conduit for dispensing fluid into the trench, a second fluidconduit for dispensing fluid into the first secondary trench, and athird fluid conduit for dispensing fluid into the second secondarytrench.

In one example, an application unit comprises a frame to be positionedin operation between two rows of plants and a base member coupled to theframe. The base member to be positioned in proximity to a ground surfacewhile in operation and first and second plant guidance members coupledto the base member in operation such that the first and second plantguidance members guide a lateral position of the base member to beapproximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whetherat least one of the first and second plant guidance members contacts oneor more plants of the two rows of plants.

In another example, the application unit further comprises first andsecond outlets coupled to the base member in operation such that achange in lateral position of the base member causes a correspondingchange in position of the first and second outlets for applying a liquidapplication to the plants.

In another example, the first and second plant guidance members areflexible.

In another example the first and second plant guidance members comprisea first portion extending outwardly and rearwardly toward the rows ofplants, a second portion extending parallel to the row of plants, and athird portion extending inwardly and rearwardly away from the rows ofplants.

In another example, all base members in the application unit adjusttheir position between the rows of plants.

In one example, an application unit comprises a frame to be positionedin operation between two rows of plants, a base member coupled to theframe, and at least one linkage member for conveying fluid coupled to abiasing element of the base member in operation such that the biasingelement biases an angular position of the at least one linkage member.

In another example, the at least one linkage member comprises a firstlinkage member and a second linkage member.

In another example, the biasing element biases angular positions of thefirst and second linkage members such that distal ends of the first andsecond linkage members have a spacing that is similar to a row spacingof the two rows of plants.

In another example, the application unit further comprises first andsecond flexible members coupled to the first and second linkage members,respectively. The first and second linkage members to position the firstsecond flexible members in proximity to the two rows of plants forapplying a fluid application to the plants.

In one example, an application unit comprises a frame to be positionedin operation between two rows of plants and a first plurality offlexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the firstplurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame tobe approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based uponwhether at least one of the first plurality of flexible members contactsone or more plants of the two rows of plants.

In another example, the application unit further comprises a base membercoupled to the frame. The base member to be positioned in proximity to aground surface while in operation and a second plurality of flexiblemembers to guide a lateral position of the base member to beapproximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whetherat least one of the second plurality of flexible members contacts one ormore plants of the two rows of plants.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding theabove description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between first and second rows of plants; a first plant contacting member being pivotally connected to the frame in operation such that the first plant contacting member to be deflected rearwardly with respect to a direction of motion of the frame upon the first plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants of the first row of plants which causes a first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame; a first outlet being disposed to apply a fluid application to the first row of plants with the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, wherein the first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame causes a corresponding second change in orientation of the first outlet with respect to the frame due to the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, and wherein the first plant contacting member is connected to the first outlet through a gear that raises or lowers the first outlet as the first plant contacting member is deflected rearwardly.
 2. The application unit of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element to bias the first plant contacting member forward when not contacting a plant, and the gear raises the first outlet.
 3. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between first and second rows of plants; a first plant contacting member being pivotally connected to the frame in operation such that the first plant contacting member to be deflected rearwardly with respect to a direction of motion of the frame upon the first plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants of the first row of plants which causes a first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame; and a first outlet being disposed to apply a fluid application to the first row of plants with the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, wherein the first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame causes a corresponding second change in orientation of the first outlet with respect to the frame due to the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, wherein the frame further comprises a ground engaging element disposed on the frame and disposed to contact the ground during operation.
 4. The application unit of claim 3, wherein the ground engaging element is a wheel.
 5. The application unit of claim 3, wherein the ground engaging element is a ski.
 6. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between first and second rows of plants; a first plant contacting member being pivotally connected to the frame in operation such that the first plant contacting member to be deflected rearwardly with respect to a direction of motion of the frame upon the first plant contacting member contacting at least one of the plants of the first row of plants which causes a first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame; and a first outlet being disposed to apply a fluid application to the first row of plants with the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, wherein the first change in orientation of the first plant contacting member with respect to the frame causes a corresponding second change in orientation of the first outlet with respect to the frame due to the first outlet being mechanically linked to the first plant contacting member, further comprising at least one opening disc connected to the frame for opening a trench.
 7. The application unit of claim 6 further comprising a fluid conduit for applying fluid to the trench.
 8. The application unit of 5 further comprising at least one trench forming member connected to the frame to open at least one secondary trench.
 9. The application unit of claim 8, wherein the opening disc is disposed to open the trench under the frame, and the at least one trench forming member is disposed to open the second trench between the trench and the row of plants.
 10. The application unit of claim 9, wherein the at least one trench forming member comprises a first trench forming member and a second trench forming member, the first trench forming member forms a first secondary trench between the trench and a row of plants on a first side, and the second trench forming member forms a second secondary trench between the trench and a row of plants on a second side.
 11. The application unit of claim 10 further comprising a first fluid conduit for dispensing fluid into the trench, a second fluid conduit for dispensing fluid into the first secondary trench, and a third fluid conduit for dispensing fluid into the second secondary trench.
 12. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants; a base member coupled to the frame, the base member to be positioned in proximity to a ground surface while in operation; and first and second plant guidance members coupled to the base member in operation such that the first and second plant guidance members guide a lateral position of the base member to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one of the first and second plant guidance members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants.
 13. The application unit of claim 12, further comprising: first and second outlets coupled to the base member in operation such that a change in lateral position of the base member causes a corresponding change in position of the first and second outlets for applying a liquid application to the plants.
 14. The application unit of claim 12, wherein the first and second plant guidance members are flexible.
 15. The application unit of claim 14, wherein the first and second plant guidance members comprise a first portion extending outwardly and rearwardly toward the rows of plants, a second portion extending parallel to the row of plants, and a third portion extending inwardly and rearwardly away from the rows of plants.
 16. The application unit of claim 12, wherein all base members in the application unit adjust their position between the rows of plants.
 17. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants; a base member coupled to the frame; and at least one linkage member for conveying fluid, the at least one linkage member is pivotally connected to the base member in operation with a biasing element such that the biasing element biases an angular position of the at least one linkage member.
 18. The application unit of claim 17, wherein the at least one linkage member comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member.
 19. The application unit of claim 18, wherein the biasing element biases angular positions of the first and second linkage members such that distal ends of the first and second linkage members have a spacing that is similar to a row spacing of the two rows of plants.
 20. The application unit of claim 18, further comprising: first and second flexible members coupled to the first and second linkage members, respectively, the first and second linkage members to position the first second flexible members in proximity to the two rows of plants for applying a fluid application to the plants.
 21. An application unit comprising: a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants; and a first plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the first plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one of the first plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants.
 22. The application unit of claim 21, further comprising: a base member coupled to the frame, the base member to be positioned in proximity to a ground surface while in operation; and a second plurality of flexible members to guide a lateral position of the base member to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one of the second plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. 